Old iPhone? Pictures prove why an upgrade is worthwhile

Sure, even an old iPhone usually still does the job faithfully. But if you still need a good reason for an upgrade, you should definitely take a look at the following pictures. On the basis of which one recognizes the development of the mobile phone camera of the Apple smartphone.

Faster, further, higher … we know. But the progress in smartphone development can be seen particularly impressively on the basis of the images from the iPhone camera. Ben Geskin, well-known concept artist, thought so too. He grabbed that original iPhone, the iPhone 4, the iPhone 6s and a current iPhone 13 Pro and took photos from the same perspective (Source: Ben Geskin).

Evolution of the iPhone camera in pictures

The result is very revealing. But before we lose a few words about the result, just a quick reminder of the camera data of the individual models:

• iPhone (2007): 2 megapixels, unknown sensor size
• iPhone 4 (2010): 5 megapixel, 1.75 μm sensor (for the first time with backlighting)
• iPhone 6s (2015): 12-megapixel, 1.22μm Sony RS Exmor RS IMX315 sensor
• iPhone 13 Pro (2021): 12-megapixel, 1.9μm Sony IMX703 sensor

The photos of the individual iPhones:

As expected, each iPhone generation delivers a better result. The Original iPhone image still looks completely washed out and fuzzy out. In addition, a selective overexposure. To be honest, even in 2007 this camera was anything but a reason to buy the iPhone. Apple just didn’t pay much attention to it. But this attitude only really changed with the iPhone 4. You could do something with the camera. Details are recognizable, a bit too dark compared to today’s recordings and thus color distortion, but usable for the time.

The iPhone 6s is still used here and there today, it even runs the current iOS 15. The colors are correct here, a bit brighter but still with potential for improvement in the illumination. And finally this iPhone 13 Pro: The new “gold standard” among Apple phones. Sharp, rich in detail, correct colors and suitable lighting – everything is there, everything is possible.

Also an exciting and appropriate photo comparison:

Megapixels alone are not enough

By the way, it’s important to emphasize: At least it’s not because of the number of pixels, because the iPhone 6s and iPhone 13 Pro each have a camera with a 12-megapixel sensor from Sony. However, it differs in detail, for example the current module is much larger and therefore more light-sensitive. Also not to be forgotten: Today’s images on the iPhone benefit immensely from the possibilities of artificial intelligence. Not only the photographer and the optics take the photo, the AI ​​of the computer has a lot to say. Huge progress has been made here.

A little hint: Even if there is no direct comparison with the cheaper iPhone 13, Experience has shown that the camera in the standard model does not fare much worse. So if you are still using one of the older iPhones, you should actually think about an upgrade (see iPhone 13 at Amazon). With today’s photo performance, you can confidently leave the compact snaps at home, because they don’t take better photos anymore.